What causes high blood pressure?

 Any time your blood pressure is greater than 140/90, you are considered to have High Blood Pressure, or Hypertension.  It’s believed that genes, lifestyle, diet, exercise, etc., all play a role.  It’s a serious problem that can lead to stroke, heart disease, and other conditions.  Common contributors are:

• Being Overweight
• High Salt Intake
• Smoking
• Lack of exercise

What can you do to lower your blood pressure?  Obviously, exercise and cutting out smoking are first steps.  Also, experts recommend using salt in moderation, less than 2300mg per day.  Check food lables on processed foods such as canned soups or frozen foods for sodium content.  Avoid smoked or cured meats, and always choose lean cuts instead of meats with high fat content.  For seasoning, use oregano, garlic power, vinegar, lemon juice, or other salt-free seasonings instead of salt.  And the easiest way to limit salt intake is to taste your food BEFORE you pick up the salt shaker!

Bringing useful news to educate our clients is one more way that Home Helpers has been making life easier for over a decade.  Call us today at 704-909-7958.  And as always, you can find us on our website,  Facebook and Google+!